Lexington, Kentucky, January 21, 2026
In response to ongoing single-digit temperatures, Lexington’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has extended the Emergency Winter Weather Plan. The plan now includes a temporary winter shelter with 216 beds, available for adults experiencing homelessness. Lextran is offering free transportation to the shelter and enhanced outreach efforts are underway to assist the community during this extreme weather. Residents are urged to check on their neighbors and take precautions to stay safe in the cold.
Lexington Extends Emergency Winter Weather Plan Amid Single-Digit Temperatures
Lexington, Kentucky – The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has extended the activation of Lexington’s Emergency Winter Weather Plan through Monday morning, January 26, due to ongoing single-digit temperatures. This extension aims to provide additional shelter and support for individuals experiencing homelessness during the severe cold spell.
Temporary Winter Shelter Opened
A temporary winter shelter located at 1306 Versailles Road has been established, adding 216 beds for adult men and women. The shelter operates daily from noon to 10 p.m. and is accessible exclusively via Versailles Road; no entrance is permitted from Nancy Hanks Boulevard. Signage directs individuals to the shelter entrance, and a fenced walkway guides residents to the intake area. Parking is available in the front lot of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s property. Residents are advised not to park on private property to avoid towing.
Transportation and Outreach Services
Under the activated plan, Lextran provides free fixed-route rides to shelter locations. Expanded outreach efforts are underway to inform individuals about the severe weather conditions and facilitate access to shelter. The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention continues to monitor weather forecasts and will update the plan as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Background on the Emergency Winter Weather Plan
Lexington’s Emergency Winter Weather Plan is designed to coordinate a community response when extreme cold weather creates an immediate need for expanded capacity to assist those experiencing homelessness. The plan includes the activation of temporary shelters, provision of transportation to shelter locations, and enhanced outreach efforts to notify individuals of weather conditions and facilitate access to shelter. The plan is activated when temperatures are expected to fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of wind chill factors. Decisions about severe weather conditions are made by the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention in consultation with appropriate authorities.
Additional Resources and Information
For more information on the Emergency Winter Weather Plan and available resources, residents can contact the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention or visit the city’s official website. Community members are encouraged to check on neighbors, especially the elderly, protect pets from the cold, and limit time outdoors during extreme weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Emergency Winter Weather Plan?
The Emergency Winter Weather Plan is a coordinated community response activated when extreme cold weather creates an immediate need for expanded capacity to assist those experiencing homelessness in Lexington. It includes the activation of temporary shelters, provision of transportation to shelter locations, and enhanced outreach efforts to notify individuals of weather conditions and facilitate access to shelter.
Where is the temporary winter shelter located?
The temporary winter shelter is located at 1306 Versailles Road. It operates daily from noon to 10 p.m. and is accessible exclusively via Versailles Road; no entrance is permitted from Nancy Hanks Boulevard. Signage directs individuals to the shelter entrance, and a fenced walkway guides residents to the intake area. Parking is available in the front lot of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s property. Residents are advised not to park on private property to avoid towing.
How can I access transportation to the shelter?
Under the activated plan, Lextran provides free fixed-route rides to shelter locations. Residents can utilize this service to reach the temporary winter shelter at 1306 Versailles Road.
How can I help during this time?
Community members are encouraged to check on neighbors, especially the elderly, protect pets from the cold, and limit time outdoors during extreme weather conditions. Additionally, residents can contact the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention for information on how to assist those in need during the winter months.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Temporary Shelters | Activation of temporary shelters, such as the one at 1306 Versailles Road, to provide additional capacity for individuals experiencing homelessness during extreme cold weather. |
| Transportation Services | Provision of free fixed-route rides to shelter locations through Lextran to ensure individuals can access shelter safely. |
| Outreach Efforts | Enhanced outreach to inform individuals about severe weather conditions and facilitate access to shelter, ensuring the community’s safety and well-being. |
| Activation Criteria | The plan is activated when temperatures are expected to fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of wind chill factors, to provide immediate assistance to those in need. |
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